Learn how to cut a butternut squash with this step-by-step guide! It’s really easy to follow and will only take about 10 minutes to get the squash peeled, seeded, and chopped into bite-sized cubes.

Butternut squash is a staple fresh Fall produce. Although Pumpkin recipes are at the top of everyone’s list, it’s also about the delicious seasonal squashes! It’s a great produce to use with Thanksgiving dishes, like in soups and casseroles. But first you need to know how to select and cut the squash!

HOW TO SELECT A RIPE BUTTERNUT SQUASH:

Things to consider when shopping for a ripe butternut squash:

Color: The darker the shade, the better. If there are any green spots, it’s not ready to cook.

Skin: Look for a squash that is free of cuts and blemishes and one that has a matte look. If it’s shiny, don’t get it. It’s not ripe yet.

Weight: Pick it up to feel its weight. A ripe butternut squash should be hard and heavy for its size.

Stem: You want a butternut squash with a full stem that’s firm to the touch with a deep brown hue.

Step-By-Step Guide to Safely Cutting Butternut Squash

What You’ll Need:

1 Whole Butternut Squash
Large Kitchen Knife
Scooper

Lay the butternut squash on a cutting board, on its side. Use a sharp knife to slice off about ½-inch from each end.

With the squash still on its side, slice it in two pieces, right where the squash curves.

Now, take each of those pieces and stand them up straight on your work surface and use either a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to slice the skin off of the squash.

Once skin is removed, take the thicker piece of squash, keep it standing upright and slice it down the center revealing the seeds inside. Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to remove the seeds.

Lay all four squash pieces on the cutting board with the cut side facing down. Make both horizontal and then vertical cuts into each squash piece, creating cubes.

Voila! That’s all it takes to cut a butternut squash.